From:
Ellen List
Date: 2004-07-22 18:44:02 UTC
Subject: neurological symptoms after surgery for Insulinoma and Adrenal Dx
To: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <BD258332.53BA%ejlist@adelphia.net>
HISTORY:
In August of 2003 I rescued an angel-ferret whom we called "G." He was
horribly emaciated having been caged outside without food, water or blankets
for nearly a week. He appeared to be 9 years old. Several veterinarians
placed his age at 1 1/2 years according to his teeth. From day one, G has
never let me out of his sight.
Within 2 months it became apparent that this gentle soul had Insulinoma and
was put on Prednisone increasing over time to .25cc twice daily.
Over the next months, although he grew stronger, he never used his hind end
properly. I assumed it was because of being in a bare wire cage and
malnourished for so long. Since his rescue he has had intermittent
diarrhea interspersed with normal stools.
His Glucose continued to drop and he was taken to surgery on May 28, 2004.
(Glucose 43.) Multiple masses were found throughout the pancreas. The
splenic limb was removed completely and several small nodules were ligated
and removed individually on the duodenal aspect. Over 1/2 of his pancreas
was removed as well as both adrenal glands (right was grossly enlarged) by
excision and cryosurgery. Percortin given.
He did well after surgery, however, he never gained any weight and his hind
end remained unstable. Intermittent diarrhea continued. The pred was
gradually reduced over a period of 3 weeks.
In early July, the diarrhea that had plagued him periodically since rescue,
became profound. He became lethargic, falling over when walking, and
refused food and water. I made an emergency trip to the vet's an hour away.
Surprisingly, his lab work was not bad. His Electrolytes were in
balance--probably because I'd given him a shot of Percortin. Glucose 111.
All of the following were a little high: Creatinine, Total Protein, Alkaline
Phosphatase, and Globulin. The following were a little low: Calcium,
Sodium, Potassium, Chloride and MCV. Some of this could be from the
diarrhea.
The vet suspected IBD, or the possibility of more a generalized tumor (G is
certainly not a candidate for confirmation by biopsy.)
He's been on Sub Q fluids for the better part of 2 weeks, pred .3cc three
times daily, Amox .5cc twice daily, Sucralfate 1/2cc every 2 hours, Imodium
PRN. He could not tolerate the Flagyl. When he wouldn't eat I syringed
Chicken Baby Food mixed with water and have subsequently changed that to
Turkey Baby Food. After 2 weeks, the diarrhea is now changed to softly
formed stool which looks somewhat like grits.
We were encouraged early this week for about a day when he was walking
nearly normal and interested in much food (only the Turkey, not his kibble).
Now G's neurological presentation is very poor. He has very sudden jerky
movements. He can't get to the litter box (he was 100% litter trained) and
is having numerous accidents because he can't get his legs to move. He
wants left alone. I am syringing Turkey Baby Food mixed with water which he
took with interest until today.
I look forward to your response. If you have any questions you may email me
personally or post.
Thank You,
Ellen